The Atlanta Braves' 2025 roster is beginning to take shape as MLB spring training continues. Most of Brian Snitker's lineup is known, though, meaning hungry prospects and veterans on the bubble will be left to compete for the remaining roster spots in the coming weeks.
Third base prospect Nacho Alvarez Jr. is one player who's trying to prove himself to Snitker this spring. Unfortunately, the former 2022 fifth-rounder's Opening Day odds took a hit when he left Thursday's 4-3 win over the Washington Nationals with a wrist injury.
While a spring training injury is the last thing a player wants, it seems like Alvarez may have dodged the worst-case scenario this time around.
Braves Injury News: Nacho Alvarez "Feeling Better," Day-to-Day
Following the Braves' victory, Snitker told Atlanta News First's Baillie Burmaster that Alvarez is "doing better" and that his status will likely be "day-to-day" going forward.
"The doctors said (his wrist) looked pretty okay," Snitker said. "(Alvarez will) be sore, I'm sure, tomorrow, but he'll go back and get treatment all day. We'll just check him out every day."
Update on Nacho from Snit: https://t.co/tAsceBMPW9 pic.twitter.com/ZoQmQYJeO9
— Baillie Burmaster (@baillie_burm) February 28, 2025
Alvarez exited the game during the first inning after feeling discomfort in his wrist when he swung the bat. The fact that the issue isn't concerning to Snitker is great news, and hopefully, the former Baseball Prospectus top-100 prospect can rejoin his teammates sooner rather than later.
Alvarez, 21, is coming off an impressive 2024 campaign that he spent mostly in Triple-A and Double-A. The Fontana, CA native made 112 appearances (416 at-bats) between the Braves' minor-league affiliates, resulting in 10 home runs, 57 RBIs, 66 walks, 26 stolen bases, and a .284/.391/.401.
The impressive performance led to Alvarez getting a brief run with the big club in July. Unfortunately, he failed to make the most of his limited chances as he only recorded three hits with 10 strikeouts in 30 ABs while also being struck by two pitches.
The new campaign marks a fresh start, giving Alvarez another chance to reach his MLB potential. It's now up to the up-and-coming 3B to get healthy and back on the diamond to continue convincing Snitker & Co. why he deserves to be a part of the Braves' plans in 2025 and beyond.